Ryan Mathews got back on track after being shut down by the New York Jets, compiling 112 yards from scrimmage before leaving Monday night's game with a groin strain on the Chargers' game-tying drive in the fourth quarter. With Mike Tolbert inactive due to a hamstring strain, Curtis Brinkley replaced Mathews and made the three decisive plays that tied the game.

But by game's end Brinkley had suffered a concussion. The good news is that Tolbert is expected back next week, but it is uncertain who else will be available. The Chargers could be forced to sign rookie Jordan Todman from the practice squad.

NOTES: Antonio Gates played a second straight game and caught four passes for 73 yards despite being bracketed and bumped most of the night. In addition to Philip Rivers' continued struggles—two more interceptions and a fumbled snap—a gigantic problem for the Chargers' offense is that no one else is getting open on a consistent basis. Vincent Jackson was once again practically invisible, and while Malcom Floyd caught five passes for 107 yards, some of the Chargers' biggest passing gains came on plays in which Rivers extended the play by rolling out. The Chargers' troubles in the red zone were never more glaring than when Rivers was forced to lob a pass to Richard Goodman when no one else was open. While they have faced a pair of excellent cornerbacks two weeks in a row, the Chargers have to get better. Teams will continue to take Gates away and force Rivers to make things happen where there is nothing.